“From his service in the U.S. Army during World War II to breaking barriers to become New York’s first African-American Secretary of State, Basil Paterson put his commitment to this state and our nation first,” Cuomo said in a written statement. “Basil’s spirit will forever be felt in the neighborhoods of Harlem, a community he loved, fought tirelessly for, and called home. We mourn his passing, and on behalf of all New Yorkers, I send my thoughts and prayers to Gov. David Paterson and Basil’s entire family.”

He was among the influential “Gang of Four” that included former Mayor David Dinkins, former Manhattan Borough President Percy Sutton and Congressman Charles Rangel.

His family says Paterson was known throughout the community as a “man of action” who accomplished his goals.